Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist (Conservation Practitioner VI) develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for large-scale geographic areas. They provide technical leadership and support to a business unit or Division by planning, directing and implementing preserve management programs and stewardship.  They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams (formerly called “eco regional” planning teams) with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The Ecologist develops and implements conservation strategies, employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.  They coordinate community support and maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, and may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist will work to be a leader in the field of Restoration Ecology. They will come up with strategies to thin brush and operate a chainsaw, a track loader, a dedicated 200 hp steel tracked brush mower, and tractors with various implements.  The Ecologist will support the prescribed fire program by being at least a line boss on prescribed fires, preparing maps, assembling fire rosters, and inputting data in IQCS.  During the summer and fall, the Ecologist will lead the seasonal crew in prairie management and invasive species management and hand-collecting a high diversity of native seeds. Herbicide application with a tractor is common for weed management. Additional tasks include activities associated with bison management, interfacing with scientific research, along with maintaining and setting up for events for visitors and members, repairing and towing equipment, and mentoring others in various tasks.

The Restoration Ecologist works at all aspects of natural areas management at Nachusa Grasslands, a 4,000 acre preserve near Franklin Grove, IL.  This is a full-time job.

This position will require up to 10% travel, an arduous level fitness pack test for fire work, and compliance with The Nature Conservancy’s auto safety program.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; supervise staff; make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supervises technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Assist with managing the Nachusa bison herd.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Illinois, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead within our Chapter and our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Various fire coursework and qualifications on the fire leadership path to NWCG’s Burn Boss Type 2.
• Advanced ability and experience operating chainsaws, maintaining and towing skid loaders, tractors, and such tools used for natural areas management.
• Advance knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience; experience in training and curriculum design.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience with principles of land acquisition, and grassland habitat restoration.
• Practical experience using GIS mapping and ESRI Field Maps.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $64,000 for annual base salary.  This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.  Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.  Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.  Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.